The MFG Meeting 2025 in San Antonio was an energizing and timely gathering of manufacturing leaders, innovators, and policy experts who shared insights on the forces shaping the future of our industry. Here are nine key takeaways we hope will provide all AMT members with the latest business intelligence and insights.
1. AI Is Revolutionizing Manufacturing – But Strategic Partnership Is Key
Presented by Deepesh Chouhan, Nvidia
Deepesh Chouhan’s keynote showcased how Nvidia is pushing the boundaries of AI in manufacturing. One of the standout demonstrations was a large language model (LLM) that aids in chip design, enabling engineers to drastically reduce development time from months to minutes through conversational interactions with a purpose-built AI assistant. Nvidia’s SyncTwin Omniverse, when integrated with the OpenUSD open-source data model, can offer detailed factory simulations that allow manufacturers to visualize how new machines integrate into production lines before they even arrive on-site.
However, implementing AI is not without challenges. Chouhan pointed out that cost, latency, and accuracy are the top three hurdles, but Nvidia’s industry partnerships with leading technology companies such as Siemens and Google are helping businesses overcome these barriers to achieve a positive ROI. His presentation underscored that the key to successful AI integration is leveraging a robust partner ecosystem.
Chouhan concluded with a look into the future of physical AI, which comprises three facets: (1) digital intelligence with physical systems, (2) moving beyond traditional robotics to include humanoids for complex tasks, and (3) autonomous facility management solutions.
As AMT members asked thought-provoking questions about AI’s role in additive manufacturing and data security, it became clear that AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about rethinking how we innovate and operate.
2. AI’s Impact on Manufacturing – Practice Use Cases
Presented by Bryce Barnes, Manufacturing AI Consultant
With two decades of experience developing cutting-edge industrial technologies at Cisco and Microsoft, Bryce Barnes explored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on manufacturing. He traced AI's evolution from the early days of the Perceptron to the emergence of generative AI and LLMs, emphasizing how deep learning and neural networks have revolutionized cognitive functions in machines.
Taking the newfound AI-powered intelligence into practical use, Barnes highlighted key use cases: safety management (with AI agents optimizing incident response), factory operations (where AI enhances productivity through predictive maintenance), and waste reduction (with AI enhancing CNC programming efficiency). Barnes underscored the importance of data integration and contextualization in democratizing insights and upskilling workers.
For AMT members, Barnes recommended starting small with AI by assessing workflow optimization opportunities and identifying incremental steps for implementation.
3. AI Trends Shaping Manufacturing in 2025
Presented by Praveen Rao, Global Director and Industry Head – Manufacturing, Google
With a career spanning two decades across operational and informational manufacturing technology, Praveen Rao from Google Cloud walked AMT members through AI’s ability to accelerate innovation by up to 10 years and automate 50% of tasks, enabling teams to accomplish more with fewer resources.
A key concept Rao introduced is multimodal AI, which processes text, images, video, and audio to produce highly contextual and intuitive outputs. This grounding approach leverages data from multiple sources and formats, from enterprise systems to audio and visual feeds, to ensure more robust insights and accurate results.
In addition to the multimodal AI concept, which can be seen as an “input” system, Rao brought up five key AI agent use cases, which can be seen as the “output” models for business applications:
Customer agents: personalized, real-time support and feedback analysis
Creative agents: generating visual and verbal content
Data agents: data normalization, predictive modeling, and anomaly detection
Code agents: code generation, optimization, and automated testing
Security agents: real-time cybersecurity threat detection
Finally, he tied these AI capabilities to Google Cloud’s Industry 5.0 framework, outlining how connected data infrastructures and cloud computing can break down traditional operations technology and information technology (OT-IT) silos.
AMT members could benefit from reviewing how their operations technology converges with information technology. From Rao’s presentation, we learned that by intentionally building data and technology infrastructures that connect the OT-IT silos, manufacturers could drive product innovation, optimize operations at scale, and deliver seamless customer experiences.
4. Navigating the New Trade Landscape: Tariffs and Policy Shifts
Presented by Omar Nashashibi, Founder, Inside the Beltway, and Caitlyn Sickles, Senior Principal, Bracewell LLP
Washington insiders Omar Nashashibi and Caitlyn Sickles delivered a fast-paced update on U.S. trade policy under President Donald Trump’s second term, focusing on tariffs that will directly impact manufacturing supply chains. New tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico, including a 60% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum and a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, are set to take effect in March. Additionally, reciprocal tariffs will target countries imposing high trade barriers on U.S. exports, a move intended to level the playing field but likely to escalate trade tensions.
For AMT members, the most relevant takeaway is the high possibility of renewed capital expenses due to changes in tax legislation, which could influence investment decisions. As manufacturers brace for these changes, the strategic focus should be on adapting pricing strategies and securing supply chains to navigate the evolving trade landscape.
5. Economic Outlook: Growth Opportunities Amid Challenges
Presented by Connor Lokar, Senior Forecaster, ITR Economics
Connor Lokar brought his trademark high energy to the stage, painting an optimistic picture of the next few years of the U.S. manufacturing economy. With the United States maintaining its position as the top destination for foreign direct investment and industrial production on the rise, 2025-2026 is poised to be a prime time for manufacturers to expand. Lokar emphasized that despite inflationary pressures and rising labor costs, strategic capital investment and workforce efficiency will be critical for growth.
His key advice for AMT members? Lock in fixed interest rates for 5-7 years and develop long-term inflation strategies. With market share gains expected through 2029, now is the time to align resources strategically and invest in digitalization and AI to stay competitive.
6. Silicon Carbide: Powering the Future of Manufacturing
Presented by Frank Ferrante, Vice President of Automotive Sales and Marketing, Wolfspeed
Frank Ferrante’s presentation highlighted the transformative potential of silicon carbide (SiC) technology in revolutionizing the automotive, industrial, and energy sectors. Electric vehicles (EVs) are projected to reach 32 million units by 2030, and SiC is pivotal in enhancing power density, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. But the impact extends beyond EVs to industrial motor drives, where SiC’s efficiency reduces the total cost of ownership and improves performance.
To support this rapid growth, Wolfspeed is making substantial investments in U.S.-based manufacturing, including the construction of The John Palmour Manufacturing Center for Silicon Carbide in Siler City, North Carolina, and the expansion of the world’s first 200-mm SiC fab in Mohawk Valley, New York. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to scale SiC production tenfold while maintaining high sustainability standards, aligning with Wolfspeed’s commitment to a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
For AMT members, the key takeaway is twofold: On the supply side, SiC technology offers significant growth opportunities in power transformation and efficiency, especially in automotive and industrial applications; on the demand side, Wolfspeed’s investment in U.S.-based manufacturing signals a strategic shift in semiconductor production, likely opening new domestic supply chain on-ramp opportunities.
7. Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: A Strategic Imperative
Presented by Jacob Horne, Chief Security Evangelist, Summit 7
Jacob Horne’s presentation on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program provided manufacturers in the defense supply chain with a timely and in-depth update. He emphasized that CMMC Level 2 will soon be a requirement for Department of Defense contracts, with an anticipated ruling by June 2025. Horne compared CMMC to quality management certifications, urging businesses to integrate cybersecurity into existing quality processes to streamline implementation.
For AMT members in the defense supply chain, many of you may have already started the certification process to avoid disruptions in contract eligibility. Horne’s presentation highlighted additional financial and operational considerations, and AMT will continue to bring in expert updates to support your change management programs.
8. Strengthening the Maritime Supply Chain
Presented by Tim Shinbara Jr., Chief Strategy Officer, BlueForge Alliance
Tim Shinbara presented BlueForge Alliance’s strategic vision of bolstering the U.S. maritime industrial base to support the Navy’s ambitious submarine production goals. By connecting smaller suppliers with larger manufacturers and leveraging advanced Industry 4.0 technologies like additive manufacturing, BlueForge is stabilizing the supply chain ecosystem while addressing workforce shortages.
Shinbara’s presentation underscored the importance of integrating national initiatives with localized action, a strategy that has already improved on-time parts delivery and increased talent engagement. For AMT members involved in defense and maritime manufacturing, this represents a significant opportunity to grow within a secure and resilient supply chain network.
9. The Power of the AMT Community
Reflecting on The MFG Meeting 2025, the common thread across all sessions was the need for strategic foresight and agility. From AI integration and new materials like silicon carbide for semiconductor design to navigating trade policy changes, leveraging AI breakthroughs, and fortifying cybersecurity measures, the message was clear: The future of manufacturing belongs to those who innovate and adapt. As a sociologist on trust and community, I know for certain that navigating change is a lot more fun and impactful when you do it with friends.
Speaking of which – the highlight of MFG was the AMT Chairman’s Reception and Dinner on Friday night, where we celebrated Peter Eelman, AMT’s chief experience officer, who is retiring after 29 years at AMT. In his decades at the helm of IMTS, Eelman empowered people, pushed for innovation, fostered connections, and left a lasting impact on our industry and everyone who’s had the privilege to work with him. He leaves a legacy that reaches beyond organizing a trade show – it's about building community to drive success.
The way our community shows up, shares frontline intelligence, and generously supports and advises one another continues to reinforce AMT’s mission and passion. As we continue to navigate a complex global landscape, AMT remains committed to empowering you with the networking opportunities, insights, and tools you need to thrive.
If you missed The MFG Meeting 2025, I hope these takeaways help you stay informed and ahead of the curve. I would also encourage you to mark your calendars now for The MFG Meeting 2026, which will be held March 10-12 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We look forward to sharing business intelligence and exploring the future of manufacturing with you.
(L-R) Pat McGibbon, former AMT chief knowledge officer; Chris Rasul, former AMT vice president of Meetings and Housing; and Peter Eelman, AMT chief exhibitions officer. “The Trifecta of Talent,” as AMT President Doug Woods calls them, spent nearly 30 years together strengthening AMT and guiding its growth.
